Tablo Apps &
Compatible Devices

The ‘best’ set-top-box for you depends on your needs and budget, but keep these considerations in mind while shopping:

Splurge vs. Save - Lower-end models will be slower and may lack features you want

Box vs. Stick - Stick-style models may be missing features

App Support - Some devices do not support a full range of TV streaming apps

Current vs. Previous Generation - Everyone loves a deal, but newer hardware is a better long-term investment

Certified vs. Generic Android - Generic 'KODI boxes' can cause app incompatibility or streaming quality issues

Set-Top-Box vs. Smart TV - Tablo supports some Smart TVs, but set-top-boxes provide more flexibility and power

Roku is the most popular streaming device cord cutters use with Tablo OTA DVRs.

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Access live and recorded local TV on the same device as over 5,000+ paid or free Roku ‘channels’
- Wide range of affordable devices 
- Available online and in-store (US and Canada)

Drawbacks
- Does not support Tablo Connect

We Recommend
We recommend the Roku Ultra (2020) and Roku Streaming Stick 4K+.

(Older 'legacy' models such as the Roku LT and original streaming stick are not supported.)

Amazon Fire TV is the 2nd most popular streaming device for use with Tablo OTA DVRs.

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Supports Tablo Connect 
- Support for over 7,000+ paid or free apps and games
- Range of affordable devices including set-top-boxes and sticks
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- User interface pushes Amazon Video content; can be off-putting for non-subscribers 

We Recommend
The 2022 Amazon Fire TV Cube or the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K MAX for the best experience.

(1st generation Fire TV boxes and sticks are no longer officially supported.)

Explore Tablo for Amazon Fire TV

Apple fans should consider the Apple TV HD or the Apple TV 4K (2021 model).

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Supports Tablo Connect  
- Super-fast in-app navigation
- Control video playback using Siri voice assistant 
- Access live and recorded local TV on the same device as purchased content from iTunes
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- Expensive – price starts at $150 USD
- Not compatible with TV-Connected Tablo DVRs

We Recommend
Apple TV HD, Apple TV 4K

(Previous generation Apple TVs do not support an app store and therefore do not offer a native Tablo app.)

Explore Tablo for Apple TV

The Nvidia SHIELD platform is great for gamers and home theatre hobbyists because of its power and flexibility. 

Benefits
- Super-fast in-app navigation
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Supports Tablo Connect 
- Controlled with a gamepad or optional remote control
- Access to a wide range of popular apps and games from the Google Play store
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- Expensive – starts at $199 USD
- Cannot control Tablo app using Google voice controls

We Recommend
Nvidia SHIELD TV PRO or NVIDIA SHIELD TV (stick).

Explore Tablo for Android TV

Unlike previous generations of Chromecast, the new Chromecast wtih Google TV is a true streaming device with its own remote.

Benefits
- Affordable but capable hardware
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Supports Tablo Connect 
- Access to a wide range of popular apps and games from the Google Play store
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- Not as powerful or flexible as other Android TV-based devices

We Recommend
Chromecast with Google TV (2020)

Explore Tablo for Android TV

Now that you know more about compatible streaming set-top-boxes and sticks, here's some additional reading that you might find helpful:

• Best Streaming Devices to Use with Tablo OTA DVRs in 2023
• Is My Cord Cutting Gear Rockin’ or Ready for Antiques Roadshow?
• Smart TVs vs. Set-Top-Boxes - Five Things Cord Cutters Should Consider
• Power User Tricks for Navigating the Tablo Channel on Roku
• More 'Power User' Tricks for the Tablo Roku Channel

Not all Smart TVs are created equal. In addition to looking for a television with a quality picture, you should be concerned about where it gets its 'smarts'. 

Cord cutters, keep these considerations in mind:

• Operating System - Does it use technology from streaming set-top-box device makers like Roku, mainstream operating systems like Android TV, or a proprietary operating system?
• App Support - Smart TVs using tech from set-top-box makers generally support a wider variety of apps and will have access to new apps sooner.
• Power & Longevity - The 'smarts' inside your television can reach obsolescence quickly and wind up lacking the software and power required to use popular streaming apps.

One of every 3 Smart TVs shipped today in the US is based on Roku's operating system.

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Access live and recorded local TV on the same device as over 5,000+ paid or free Roku ‘channels’
- Wide range of affordable models
- Available online and in-store (US and Canada)

We Recommend
Roku Smart TVs are so popular due to their affordability, user-friendly interface and range of prices/styles. If you're a cord cutter choosing a Smart TV over a set-top-box, these are your best bets.

Amazon Fire TV Edition Smart TVs are readily available.  

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Support for over 7,000+ paid or free apps and games
- Range of affordable devices including set-top-boxes and sticks
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- User interface pushes Amazon Video content; can be off-putting for non-subscribers 

We Recommend
Amazon Fire TV set-top-boxes and sticks offer an excellent Tablo experience, and the Fire TV Edition Smart TVs are no exception. Better picture quality can be found on more expensive TV sets, but these offer good value.  

Smart TVs leveraging the Android TV operating system offer excellent flexibility. 

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features
- Access to a wide range of popular apps and games from the Google Play store
- Manufacturers include Sony, Philips and Sharp
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- Older models may not have the processing power or memory required to run the Tablo app

We Recommend
We have not tested all makes/models of Android-based Smart TVs, but Sony generally offers good quality televisions. However, the in-app navigation speed is generally slower than Android TV set-top-boxes.

Now that you know more about Tablo compatible Smart TVs, here's some additional reading that you might find helpful:

• How To Find & Download the Tablo App on your Smart TV
• In-depth - Smart TVs vs. Set-Top-Boxes - Five Things Cord Cutters Should Consider

Apple fans can enjoy live and recorded TV via the Tablo apps for iPhone and iPad.

Benefits
- Access to all Tablo screens and filters including settings
- Supports Tablo Connect
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- None

We Recommend
Any newer generation iPhone or iPad running iOS 12+ can be used with the Tablo app.

Android fans can enjoy live and recorded TV via the Tablo app for Android smartphones and tablets.

Benefits
- Access to all Tablo screens and filters including settings
- Supports Tablo Connect
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- None

We Recommend
Any newer generation Android device running Android 4.4+ can be used with the Tablo app.

If you want to watch TV while working on your Windows PC, you can enjoy live and recorded content from Tablo via the Windows 10 app.

MAC users can access a web-based app at my.tablotv.com via the Safari browser.

Benefits
- Access to most Tablo screens and features including settings
- Supports Tablo Connect 
- Available in the US and Canada

Drawbacks
- Web app is not fully supported on all platforms/browsers - soon Safari on MAC will be the only officially supported browser option.  
- Windows 10 app is not supported on MAC operating systems. 

We Recommend
The Tablo Windows 10 app for PC and the web app via Safari for MAC computers.

Now that you know more about Tablo compatible PCs and mobile devices, here's some additional reading that you might find helpful:

• Tablo Web App Transition - Chrome Support for Tablo Ending
• Tip - How to Watch Live TV on Your Smartphone